INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) 2026 — ₹80,000/Year Eligibility, Amount & Process
Amount — what you get
The scholarship is worth ₹80,000 a year, split into a cash scholarship and a research grant:
| Component | Amount | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual scholarship | ₹60,000/year | ₹5,000 × 12 months |
| Summer mentorship grant | ₹20,000/year | 6–8 week research attachment |
| Total per year | ₹80,000 | For up to 5 years |
| Scholarships offered | 10,000/year | Across eligible students |
As of 2026, per the DST INSPIRE-SHE guidelines. The ₹20,000 grant requires completing a mandatory 6–8 week research/summer project at a recognised institution. Continuation each year needs a minimum aggregate in the course.
Who is eligible
- Top 1% in your Class 12 board examination (in the science stream), OR
- Top 10,000 rank in JEE Advanced or NEET, OR
- Admission to IISER / NISER / DoS at IIT Kharagpur, or being a KVPY / NTSE / JBNSTS scholar or Science Olympiad medallist.
- Age 17–22 at the time of applying.
- Pursuing a natural/basic-sciences degree — engineering, B.Tech, MBBS and other professional courses are not covered.
Eligible courses
SHE funds basic and natural sciences only — B.Sc, B.S, M.Sc, M.S and integrated M.Sc programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Geology, Astrophysics, Electronics, Botany, Zoology and related disciplines. The aim is to pull top rankers into a research career in the sciences, which is why professional courses are excluded. If you are heading to an IISER or a top science programme, this pairs naturally with the low fees at institutes like the IITs.
How to apply
- Apply online on the INSPIRE portal (online-inspire.gov.in) when the SHE window opens for the year.
- Provide your Class 12 result / entrance rank proof to establish eligibility.
- Upload admission proof to an eligible sciences course and your bank details for Direct Benefit Transfer.
- Complete the summer research attachment each year to draw the ₹20,000 mentorship grant.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the INSPIRE SHE scholarship amount?
₹80,000 a year for up to 5 years — ₹60,000 as an annual scholarship (₹5,000 a month) plus a ₹20,000 summer mentorship grant for completing a mandatory 6–8 week research attachment. About 10,000 scholarships are awarded each year.
Who is eligible for the INSPIRE scholarship?
Students in the top 1% of their Class 12 board (science stream), or in the top 10,000 of JEE Advanced or NEET, or IISER/NISER admits and KVPY/NTSE/Olympiad awardees, aged 17–22, who are pursuing a natural or basic sciences degree. Engineering, B.Tech and MBBS are not eligible.
Can B.Tech or MBBS students get the INSPIRE scholarship?
No. INSPIRE-SHE is strictly for natural and basic sciences courses such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. Engineering, B.Tech, MBBS and other professional degrees are excluded.
How do I apply for the INSPIRE scholarship?
Apply online on the INSPIRE portal (online-inspire.gov.in) when the SHE window opens, proving eligibility via your board result or entrance rank, uploading admission proof to an eligible sciences course, and completing the annual summer research attachment for the mentorship grant.
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